Shocking Hatcliffe Extension assault case shakes community: Five women appear in court
In a disturbing incident that sent shockwaves through the Hatcliffe Extension community, five women who gained notoriety on social media for their assault on another woman appeared in court over the weekend. The accused individuals, namely Zelpa Kanduza, Natasha Kanduza, Fortunate Tembo, Olleyn Vinyungwi, and their accomplice Mitchel Kariwo, were brought before the Harare magistrate, Ms Evelyn Mashavakure, to face charges of assault.
According to the prosecution led by Ms Grace Mugocheke, the incident occurred on February 1 at approximately 1 pm at stand number 4088 in Hatcliffe Extension, Harare. The accused individuals had arrived at the location in search of the complainant, Alice Chaichai (32), whom they accused of having an illicit relationship with Zelpa’s husband.
Upon Chaichai’s arrival, Natasha confronted her directly, questioning her involvement in the alleged affair. Chaichai vehemently denied the accusations, inciting anger among the accused. In a horrific display of violence, the group mercilessly attacked Chaichai, forcibly dragging her out of her own home by her braids.
Outside the house, the assailants took turns relentlessly punching Chaichai, who lay defenceless on the ground. Zelpa, in an act of sheer brutality, proceeded to kick her repeatedly all over her body, while the others continued their assault by landing punches on her defenceless form.
As the attack escalated, the accused women shamelessly stripped Chaichai of her clothing, tearing her dress and undergarments, leaving her naked and unconscious on the ground. It was only due to the kind intervention of a compassionate bystander that Chaichai’s modesty was preserved. Covering her with a cloth, the good Samaritan attended to her injuries, which included a severe eye injury and bruises on her legs.
Following the harrowing ordeal, Chaichai was rushed to the hospital, where she received medical attention and was subsequently admitted for further care. In a display of resilience, she mustered the courage to report the incident to the police, leading to the arrest of the accused individuals.
The accused persons, Zelpa Kanduza, Natasha Kanduza, Fortunate Tembo, Olleyn Vinyungwi, and Mitchel Kariwo, were remanded in custody pending a bail application scheduled for today.
